Oswego East High School Concert Band and Choirs Shine at Festival Disney in Orlando, Florida

It was a much anticipated trip. For months students sold chocolates, practiced their music and dreamed of what for many, would be their first trip to Walt Disney World! Being able to combine this first experience of the Magic of Disney with representing their school in a renowned musical competition was really a dream come true.  Three buses loaded with students, directors, accompanist and parent chaperones rolled out of OEHS for the long trip to Florida.

After many hours and sleeping on the bus, Oswego East’s jazz choir “Spotlight” delivered a great performance at the Contemporary Resort’s Ballroom, a very strong start to our participation in the event. The next day it was the Concert Band and our three remaining choirs’ turn. 

Following warm ups in the coolest space you can imagine (a warehouse style room filled by original Disney props), the Concert Band, under the direction of Mrs. Kelly O’Neill, delivered another solid performance at the Hollywood Studio’s Premier Theater. The same afternoon it was the “traditional” choirs’ time to shine. And so they did!  The Saratoga Springs Resort’s beautiful Concert Hall was the perfect setting for our talented singers to display their talent. Oswego East’s Concert Choir, Women’s Choir and A Capella Choir showcased the result of their hard work, filling the hall with their melodious voices. Under the direction of Mr. Peter Barsch and accompanied by Mrs. Claire Chenoweth, all choirs delighted us with outstanding performances. All students and directors also participated in workshops conducted by Disney talent.

When the time came for the Awards Ceremony, all our expectations were met and surpassed when the name of Oswego East High School was called once and again in what turned out to be a night to remember!

OEHS’ A CAPPELLA CHOIR received a Superior Rating, the Best in Class Award (Mixed choirs, 4A school size) and the Gold Mickey Award (Highest score among all HS Mixed Choirs, Treble Choirs, & Men's Choirs regardless of school size) and the Best Student Vocal Soloist Award went to our own Michal Gliszewski.

Our CONCERT BAND received a Superior Rating and the Bronze Mickey Award (3rd highest score among all HS Concert Bands, regardless of school size).

SPOTLIGHT also received Superior Rating and the Best in Class Award (Vocal Jazz groups).

The WOMEN'S CHOIR received an Excellent Rating (only 2 points away from Superior).

Last but not least, the CONCERT CHOIR also received a Superior Rating.

The sense of pride in their school was palpable in all students. The Wolves Fight Song filled the stadium and the O-E-H-S chant was heard in Florida.

Thanks to Mr. Peter Barsch (Choir Director), Mrs. Kelly O’Neill (Band Director), Ms. Paula Tuttle (Asst. Band Director) and  Mrs. Claire Chenoweth (Accompanist) for your hard work and dedication to our students. To the 119 students that participated, you also deserve an award for your impeccable behavior. And to my fellow parent chaperones, thanks for volunteering to help care for our students and for being such a fun group!  As Mr. Barsch said, we have a lot of hardware to display!